From time to time I will be posting short snippets about what I have been reading, just in case you might enjoy the same kind of things that seem to interest me. Or not. As the case may be.
So here is a short list of things I have been working on. I read the hardest things early in the morning because that is when I am freshest in mind and spirit and the lighter things at night, when I have had enough of the day and want to wind down. Perhaps like you, I often have several books going at the same time. And I am afraid I have to confess that I don't finish everything I start.
The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief
By Dr. Francis S. Collins, Free Press, 2006
A graduate of the University of Virginia with a PhD in Chemistry from Yale, an MD from the University of North Carolina, and the leader of the Human Genome Project, Dr
Collins is one of the most distinguished scientists in America. He is also a Christian.
The Language of God traces his own spiritual journey from atheism to agnosticism to
a life of faith based on the teachings of Jesus. In his view science can answer the great questions of physical reality but is not equipped to answer the great questions of human meaning.
Dr Collins writes cleanly and is particularly helpful in describing the limitations of Creationism and Intelligent Design.
His first exposure to Christianity came when his agnostic parents encouraged him to
join an Episcopal boy’s choir. They told him it was a great way to learn music but he
shouldn’t take the theology too seriously.
Good Quote: “Life is short. The death rate will be one person for the
foreseeable future. Opening one’s self to the life of the spirit can be
indescribably enriching.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Moon’s a Balloon and Bring on the Empty Horses
By David Niven, 1971 and 1975
Born in England, a graduate of Sandhurst and a decorated officer in the British Army in World War II, David Niven was also a famous movie star in Hollywood and played the
lead in “Around the World in 80 Days”. Who knew that he was a gifted writer with an
acute memory and a sharp pen?
Both books were international bestsellers in their day. For good reason. Funny.
Poignant. And occasionally tragic. The first is the best. Easy to read in bits and pieces. Catnip for all but particularly if you are interested in the
great movies of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Apt Quote: “I apologize for the ensuing name dropping. It was hard to
avoid it.”
